Purpose: Understanding the types of instruments available for measuring color is important when choosing the instrument to purchase or use for your application.
The terms 'colorimeter' and 'spectrophotometer' cause some confusion, so their differences are outlined in the table below. Note, however, that both types of instruments provide data obtained over the same range of visible wavelengths (about 400-700 nm), but they may treat this data differently.
| Colorimeter | Spectrophotometer |
| An instrument for psychophysical analysis – provides measurements that correlate with human eye-brain perception. Colorimetric data directly read and provided as tristimulus values (XYZ, Lab, etc.). | An instrument for physical analysis—provides wavelength-by-wavelength spectral analysis of the reflecting or transmitting properties of objects without interpretation y a human. Can indirectly calculate psychophysical (colorimetric) information. |
| It consists of sensor and simple data processor. | Consists of sensor plus data processor or computer with software. |
| Has a set illuminant and observer combination – usually C/2°. | Has many available illuminant/observer combinations that can be used for calculating tristimulus data and metamerism index. |
| Isolates a broad band of wavelengths using a tristimulus absorption filter. | Isolates a narrow band of wavelengths using a prism, grating or interference filter. |
| Is generally rugged and a less complex instrument than a spectrophotometer. | Works well for color measurement, metamerism, and variable illuminant/observer conditions. Optimal for both quality inspection and research and development. |
| HunterLab Legacy Instruments | Examples: Agera, Aeros, ColorFlex, MiniScan, UltraScan, Spectraprobe, Vista |
See attached pdf file for the complete article with comparison table.
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